Lydia Pottoff

Special Places Near and Far
A collection of pastels, these paintings are inspired by the beautiful color, patterns and designs found in the natural world. Pottoff's work has captured quiet moments and dreamy places in a rich use of color and texture. The peaceful locations are favorites in her journey through the world. They include Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico and Africa.

 

 

As a graphic designer for the last 20 years, I am constantly inspired by the beautiful patterns, colors and designs in the surrounding world. I am driven to look closely at this beauty and interpret it in a fresh way. Also, as an avid student of art history, I am inspired by many of the past movements in art, especially the impressionists and romantics.

My senses are open to the hidden color in everyday landscapes; the deep purple of a cast shadow, the soft pink in a winter sky, and the bright red of a maple in autumn. I wish to share these quiet observations with the viewer so that they too will stop and look more carefully at the beauty in their surroundings.

The paintings in this series are connected through the use of color and natural patterns. Pastels are my medium of choice. They allow me to create shimmering, heightened color effects as well as draw; and they support the freedome of spontaneity in my work.

I balance my pieces between studio and plein-air. Often I start the subject outside and record photographs as I work. This allows me to finish the piece in the studio if necessary. When I go snow shoeing or hiking, I often take along my camera. Later, I paint from my photos in the sutdio. Many of these paintings in this collection are composites of several photos and are most often edited to the point that they really don't much resemble the original photo.

Recently I finished Elizabeth Mowray's book, "The Poetic Landscape." Her writing and work spoke to me in a profound way. She defines the role and relationship of the

artist to the viewer. She describes how the artist creates the landscape and how the beauty in the landscape then evokes a special place within the viewer and makes them feel at peace. Whether scenes are local or distant they often allow us to recollect a place that has given us a special connection.

I have been painting for the last three years and am a member of the Colorado Pastel Society and the Boulder Art Association. I have a solo show scheduled for May at the North Boulder Recreation Center. I participated in the Colorado Pastel Society show in Evergreen last year and will participate in both the Colorado Pastel Society and the Boulder Art Association's shows in June.

Currently I am working on the completion of a series of paintings, inspired by a trip to Africa last year.

~Lydia Pottoff